Grilling: Gas or Charcoal

[abc]

Originally posted by: kukyfrope
A family member has offered to buy me a grill for christmas. I've actually never used one much myself, so I'm wondering which would be best? Pros and cons of each maybe, or personal experiences?

If grilling, I mostly like to eat hamburgers, hotdogs and steaks if that helps any

how many times you want to grill... if it's many times a yr... may be a gas... too much charcoal cooking is potentially bad.

 

[everman]

Charcoal is better overall, except it takes a little longer than gas. But gas doesn't get nearly as hot as charcoal, and you need that very high heat to get those certain flavors that require it.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Captante
Charcoal does taste a bit better, but its a serious pain in the rear... after owning both for many years I'd only consider gas & as others have suggested get some mesquite ships for when you want the smoke flavor.

Pain in the ass?? :roll:

Crumpled newspaper + charcoal + this + one match FTW.

If you're super lazy, just get what I did.

Weber Performer

Charcoal, with a gas ignition. Just push a button to light. Piece of cake.

 

[Kaervak]

Another vote for charcoal. We have a little Webber kettle grill and use chunk charcoal. Always a fun thing when the charcoal starter has glowing orange coals and transparent blue flames coming out of it.

 

[spidey07]

Gas or Charcoal?

they each have their own uses.

For a beginner I would suggest gas. This is an appliance, don't skimp. Gas or charcoal, don't skimp.

 

[dirtboy]

Charcoal is better, but gas is faster and easier -- especially for a newbie bbqer. I almost always cook with gas and everything turns out great. If I had more time and more interest in it, I might take the time to use charcoal.

If you go gas, try to get one with a cast iron grill and a built in temperate gauge. Those two things are essential.

 

[natto fire]

Originally posted by: NFS4
Charcoal for the flavor
Gas for speed (wanna just cook it quick and be done)

Overall, Charcoal FTW. Only an idiot would disagree

Pretty much sums it up right there...

 

[blodhi74]

Originally posted by: keeleysam
Charcoal is the only way to go. It tastes so much better.

and buy a charcoal chimany

 

[lrad50]

Ask Hank Hill. Salesman of propane and propane accessories.

 

[Spydermag68]

Also get a book on how to cook on a grill.


I have one of Steve Raichlen's books and have tried several of the recipes.

 

Charcoal for true taste.
Gas for ease of use.

End.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Charcoal is more unhealthy.

 

[Eli]

Charcoal.

But, I can't deny that gas is more convienent.

 

[Jzero]

Gas + smoker box FTW. The convenience and accuracy of gas, the smokey flavor of charcoal.

 

[monk3y]

Charcoal for sure...

 

[imported_Pablo]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango
Charcoal is more unhealthy.

OMG I NOEZ THAT GAS IZ T3H C4NC3R

 

[broon]

It really depends on your lifestyle. I prefer charcoal because I think it adds flavor to the food that you can't get with gas. However it takes much longer to cook with. If you are always in a rush, get gas. If you tend to have more time to spend cooking, get charcoal. Since this is a gift, get gas. You can buy a decent weber charcoal for less than $100 but you can't get a decent gas for that.

 

[MattCo]

So the answer appears to be BOTH FTW.. If you get one of each then you can charcoal grill when you have time and are looking for the best taste, use the gas one when you are in a hurry or feeling lazy.

-MC

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: MattCo
So the answer appears to be BOTH FTW.. If you get one of each then you can charcoal grill when you have time and are looking for the best taste, use the gas one when you are in a hurry or feeling lazy.

-MC

Considering the cost of charcoal grills, it's really not a bad idea if you care that much.

BTW I should also point out that those who think gas lets you start more quickly....you still need to preheat your gas grill. Mine takes about 15 minutes to get up to 400F.

 

[dmw16]

Charcoal is the only way to go. It tastes so much better

 

[nakedfrog]

I can't see myself ever using a gas grill.

 

[FoBoT]

hank hill says "use propane"

 

[Scarpozzi]

Gas is my choice.

I use a charcoal grill with mesquite chips when I'm really wanting good steaks....but gas is by far the easiest. When you grill with charcoal, there's more cleanup involved, your grill cannot be located as close to your house, and your fuel (charcoal) is more expensive. Gas grills have more initial investment, but as long as you keep the grill clean, etc...you'll get more meals for you buck and you won't have to deal with disposing of ashes, etc... As for the wait times, gas can get hotter a lot faster if you turn your grill up to clean as most manufacturers suggest. This will clean the grill surface better than with charcoal.

Just be careful when selecting a grill. I've noticed that many manufacturers are starting to go with Stainless Steel looking grills, etc....but it's extremely thin metal and not any greater quality....just more expensive. Be sure to open and close the grill lids a few times to see how heavy it is and how much the grill shakes from this. A real gas grill will cost you a little over $500...but you can get a decent one right now for $100 or lower easily. If you buy a grill without a tank, buy your tank from sears or somewhere that sells them empty....then fill the tank or trade up for a filled tank. You'll save $10-15 this way rather than paying the full price for a tank from Walmart, etc...

 

[Kelemvor]

I never notice a difference in taste. Normally the seasonings and such have far more of an affect than what you cook with. And gas so much faster and easier to use. SO I switched to Gas 4 years ago and will never go back.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

It depends. The key to grilling is the amount of heat, not the source of heat.

If you go with gas, you need a minimum of 36,000 BTUs. This will put you in the $300 range.

Charcoal grills are obviously more affordable, and can crank out plenty of heat. BUT they aren't as convenient, especially if you have kids that factor into the equation.

If you have limited space or budget, then charcoal is probably your best best with something like a lil smokey (Weber) or a hibachi style grill. If you have kids, can afford a higher quality grill with a few accessories, or you really don't want to mess around with pre-lighting and removing ash, then a gas grill would be your best bet.

Smoke flavors from charcoal can be acquired on gas grills by using a smoke-box.